USG FLEX H Series - Password Complexity

Zyxel_Claudia

The latest uOS firmware introduces a Password Complexity Policy feature to strengthen account security for the USG FLEX H Series devices. This enhancement allows administrators to enforce specific password requirements for users, adding an extra layer of security to the system.

Key Features of the Password Complexity Policy

1. Flexible Complexity Requirements:
   • The password policy can be customized based on the organization’s security needs.
   • Administrators can set requirements for password length (e.g., minimum of 8 characters) and complexity, ensuring passwords are robust and harder to guess.
2. Character Requirements:
   • The policy allows administrators to enforce inclusion of:
     • Uppercase letters
     • Lowercase letters
     • Numbers
     • Special characters (e.g., !, @ , #)
   • These settings can be tailored to meet specific organizational standards, balancing between ease of use and security.
3. User Type Application:
   • Password complexity can be applied different group of admin type or user groups.
   • This flexibility ensures that different levels of security can be enforced based on user roles, with more stringent requirements for administrative accounts.

How to Enable and Configure Password Complexity

1. Navigate to User & Authentication Settings:
   • Log into the uOS web GUI and go to the User & Authentication > User/Group > Setting section.
2. Enable Password Policy:
   • Under Password Policy, select to enable complexity requirements for either all users or user groups.
3. Configure Complexity Requirements:
   • Set the minimum password length and specify character types required (e.g., include at least one uppercase letter, one number, and one special character).
   • These settings will define the structure and strength of passwords, making them compliant with security rules.
4. Save Changes:
   • Once the policy is configured, save the changes to activate the policy across the selected user accounts.

User Experience with the Password Policy Enabled

When users create or update their passwords, they will need to adhere to the enforced complexity requirements. For instance, if they attempt to set a password like 1234, the system will prompt a message indicating that the password does not meet the required standards. Only passwords that satisfy all configured criteria will be accepted.

Benefits of the Password Complexity Feature

• Enhanced Security: Enforcing complex passwords reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
• Customization Flexibility: Admins can adjust settings to fit their unique security policies.
• Compliance Support: Helps organizations meet regulatory standards for password security.

The addition of password complexity requirements in uOS aligns with industry best practices, providing administrators with a powerful tool to enhance the security of their networked environments.